Martindale says Livingston are putting in more effort in training ahead of Rangers clash

Livingston assistant David Martindale has said his Livingston players are putting in more effort in training ahead of their Rangers match.

Livi travel to Ibrox in brilliant form, yet to suffer defeat in all competitions this season. Their most recent result, a 2-1 win over St Mirren, has them sitting in third.

Livingston are thriving right now. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A win in Glasgow would be enough for the West Lothian outfit to leapfrog Steven Gerrard’s side. Martindale says players have applied themselves well in training ahead of the match.

As quoted by the Daily Record, he told the Courier: “You do notice a wee change in training – they are going to Ibrox to play in front of 50,000 so you tend to get that wee bit extra out of them.

If they go there and carry out the instructions, then hopefully we will get something from the game but Rangers are a lot better than they were last year so it is going to be a lot harder.

Livi faced Rangers three times last term. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“They have a budget of £55m, ours is about £1m, so to get anything from the game would be massive.”

Livingston know how to beat Rangers

The financial disparities between the two clubs are clear. According to a recent survey (Global Sports Salaries) Rangers pay their players an average of £8,972 per week, whilst Livi pay £671.

Regardless of budget, Livi should not be underestimated by their Glasgow opponents. After losing the likes of Craig Halkett, Declan Gallagher, Shaun Byrne, Liam Kelly and Ryan Hardie over the summer, many expected them to struggle.

They lost key players over the Summer. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Just like last year, they have defied the critics and are flying near the top of the league. The fact they can leapfrog the Ibrox club with a win is quite astounding.

They know the winning formula too. Last season they beat Rangers 1-0 at home, gaining their win by digging in deep and trying to hit Gerrard’s side on the counter. It worked to great effect, with Dolly Menga clinical enough to convert one of the two Livi shots on target (BBC).

It’ll take another big effort if they are to take anything away from their Ibrox clash on Saturday. They won’t be favourites for the clash, but that might just suit the away side.